| Glasgow is Scotland's largest city and the UK's fourth | | | | The city's status as a centre for trade blossomed |
| biggest. Situated on the River Clyde, Glasgow has | | | | when train lines came into common use – Glasgow |
| been growing throughout its history that started more | | | | was first connected to Edinburgh in 1842 and then the |
| than 2000 years ago. | | | | English railway network three years later. Around this |
| Originally named Glasgu – 'beloved green place' in | | | | time the textile industry in Scotland was beginning to |
| the local dialect – the city began to grow before St | | | | grow with cotton at the centre of the business. |
| Mungo built a church at what would soon become the | | | | However, it is manufacturing that put Glasgow on the |
| second city of the empire. This church, along with the | | | | map and during both World Wars its portside factories |
| city's 12th century cathedral and the 15th century | | | | were back in force, producing naval ships as well as |
| establishment of the University of Glasgow, are seen | | | | weapons and ammunition. As a result Glasgow was |
| as the catalysts of the city's growth. Despite its | | | | bombed heavily in the Second World War which |
| prowess during this time, very little of the buildings of | | | | destroyed many of the factories and houses. |
| this time still remain intact to this day. | | | | Glasgow flights helped trade grow in the 20th century |
| Modern day Glasgow has its roots in the industrial | | | | but were ultimately the demise of Scotland's |
| revolution when the Clyde played a massive part in the | | | | manufacturing firms as it was found to be much |
| growth of the area. Port Glasgow began importing | | | | cheaper to fly goods from the Far East. At first this |
| goods from the American colonies – predominantly | | | | had a detrimental effect on Glasgow but recent times |
| cotton, sugar and tobacco – and exporting produce | | | | have seen employment pick up as the city modernises. |
| to much of northern Europe. | | | | The reputation of the city is also changing as arts and |
| During the industrial revolution the city gained a | | | | culture, especially the city's thriving music scene, are |
| reputation as one of the world's leading ship builders | | | | prominent. Many festivals are held in Glasgow every |
| and centres for heavy engineering. This was helped | | | | year varying from its International Comedy Festival, to |
| with the local steel industry as well as abundant | | | | a festival of jazz and, its most popular event, the |
| resources in the vicinity of coal, iron ore and limestone. | | | | annual film festival. |
| By 1835 Glasgow was creating half the total tonnage | | | | In 1990, Glasgow was named as Europe's City of |
| of the UK's steam ships. | | | | Culture. |